Concord – A series of public meetings to hear comments from the public on draft recommendations for New Hampshire's rail system is scheduled for February and March. These meetings will be an opportunity for the public to learn more about the rail system and comment on these recommendations.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is in the process of updating the New Hampshire State Rail Plan in order to examine existing strengths and weaknesses of the state's rail system and make recommendations for the future. Based on meetings with railroads, shippers and other stakeholders and research on rail freight shipping, the NHDOT's consultants have identified a set of specific recommendations that would improve New Hampshire's rail network and support its economic contributions to the state. Comments from the public are encouraged and can be made by attending a meeting and/or going to www.nh.gov/dot/org/aerorailtransit/railandtransit/rail-plan.htm.

The public meetings will encourage questions from the public and active discussion on the draft recommendations. The updated Rail Plan will identify rail's role in the regional transportation network and its effect on New Hampshire's current and future economy. The Rail Plan will include both freight and passenger rail initiatives.

Public meetings will take place on the following dates and locations:

Portsmouth: Wednesday, February 29, 6-8 pm in the Portsmouth City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Junkins Ave.

Nashua: Monday, March 5, 6-8 pm in the Nashua City Hall Auditorium, 229 Main St.

Berlin: Thursday, March 8, 6-8 pm in the Berlin City Hall Auditorium, 168 Main St.